Design structure for shutting off data capture across asynchronous clock domains during at-speed testing

ABSTRACT

A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes an apparatus for testing logic devices configured across asynchronous clock domains, including a deactivation mechanism for deactivating, during at-speed fault testing, a local clock signal for each of a first plurality of latches having at least one data input thereto originating from a source located within an asynchronous clock domain with respect thereto; wherein the deactivation mechanism is configured to permit data capture within the first plurality of latches, and wherein the deactivation mechanism is further configured to permit at-speed data launch from the first plurality of latches to downstream latches with respect thereto during at-speed testing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional U.S. patent application is co-pending with U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/672,973, which was filed Feb. 9, 2007, and is assigned to the present assignee.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to integrated circuit testing techniques and, more particularly, to a design structure for shutting off data capture across asynchronous clock domains during at-speed testing.

The testing of integrated circuits has evolved into a highly developed area of technology. Generally such testing may be implemented through the use of external equipment, Built-In Self-Test (BIST) circuitry, or a combination of the two. Typically, all test methodologies involve shifting data into scannable memory elements of an integrated circuit device (e.g., Level Sensitive Scan Design or LSSD latches), capturing the input to the memory elements, shifting the captured data out and then comparing the captured data with predetermined values to determine whether the circuit has performed according to design. Automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) systems use tools for testing digital circuits after the circuits have been manufactured. In general, an ATPG tool generates a set of test vectors that are applied to a circuit under test. The output of the circuit is analyzed to identify logic faults in the circuit design (i.e., “functional testing”), as well as detecting fabrication defects (i.e., “structural testing”).

“At-speed” testing refers to testing techniques to detect defects that are only apparent when the circuit is running at system speed. Many time-based defects cannot be detected unless the circuit is run at-speed. Examples of time related defects that occur at-speed include high impedance shorts, in-line resistance, and cross talk between signals. One problem of particular concern in regard to at-speed structural testing (ASST) relates to the effects of clock skew (i.e., misalignment of clock signals between clock domains) when signals are exchanged between different clock domains in the circuit at high test-clock speeds. The testing of multiple asynchronous clock domains simultaneously while using functional clocks generated by phase locked loops (PLLs) is difficult because it is impossible to predict the relative positions of clock edges generated by asynchronous PLLs. Existing solutions to the problem of testing multiple asynchronous clock domains include testing only one clock domain at a time, and/or inserting a wrapper of latches or flip-flops between clock domains, and/or ensuring that for each scan chain, all the latches belong to the same clock domain. Thus, only a few scan chains have test data for each test pattern shifted therein. The test still addresses only one domain at a time; however the total time required for scan is now reduced. Unfortunately, such approaches are disadvantageous in that they result in increased test data volume, increased testing time, and an increased hardware overhead.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to be able to simultaneously test the logic in asynchronous clock domains in an economical manner.

SUMMARY

The foregoing discussed drawbacks and deficiencies of the prior art are overcome or alleviated, in an exemplary embodiment, by a design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process, the design structure comprising an apparatus for testing logic devices configured across asynchronous clock domains, including a deactivation mechanism for deactivating, during at-speed fault testing, a local clock signal for each of a first plurality of latches having at least one data input thereto originating from a source located within an asynchronous clock domain with respect thereto; wherein the deactivation mechanism is configured to permit data capture within the first plurality of latches, and wherein the deactivation mechanism is further configured to permit at-speed data launch from the first plurality of latches to downstream latches with respect thereto during at-speed testing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the exemplary drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer circuit having a plurality of latch stages configured within a given clock domain, one or more of which has a data input originating from an asynchronous clock domain;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional clock splitter circuit used for static (slow) and at-speed testing of integrated circuit device elements, such as those illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a clock splitter circuit configured for selectively shutting off data capture across asynchronous clock domains during at-speed testing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the clock splitter circuit illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another alternative embodiment of the clock splitter circuits illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the test controller of FIG. 1, in which the controller generates a plurality of shutoff control signals;

FIG. 7 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the shutoff function of the clock splitter embodiments during an at-speed test;

FIG. 8 is a timing diagram illustrating the disabling of the shutoff function of the clock splitter embodiments during an at-speed test within a synchronous domain;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of identifying integrated circuit device latches that receive data from asynchronous domains, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an exemplary design process used in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and/or test.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a design structure for shutting off data capture across asynchronous clock domains during at-speed testing. Briefly stated, the present disclosure introduces embodiments of a novel new clock splitter that is configured to selectively shut off asynchronous data capture during at-speed testing, through the use of a “shutoff” signal to deactivate the functional capture in latches whose data inputs are fed from other asynchronous latches in their input cone.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer circuit 100 having a plurality of latch stages 102 configured within a given clock domain 103, at least one of which has a data input (dashed line) originating from an asynchronous clock domain with respect to clock domain 103. In an exemplary embodiment, the latch stages 102 (also referred to herein simply as “latches”) are configured as two-stage LSSD latches, although other configurations are possible. In addition, a plurality of individual clock splitter devices (CSPL) 104 provide local “ZB” and “ZC” clock signals to the LSSD latches 102 using the system clock (OSC) of clock domain 103 and external “B” and “C” test clock signals provided by an off-chip test controller device 106.

Although each latch stage 102 is depicted as having a separate local clock splitter device 104 associated therewith, in actuality several latches within a given domain may be coupled to a single clock splitter device. Thus, it will be understood that FIG. 1 represents a simplified example of a configuration of sequential latch stages (with combinational logic 108 therebetween). In a more representative example, an output of one latch stage could be fed to several different latches or combinational logic elements in parallel, and a latch could have several inputs coupled thereto, which may or may not be contained within the same clock domain (i.e., asynchronous inputs).

As specifically shown in FIG. 1, the dashed line 110 represents one or more inputs to a latch 102 in clock domain 103 that originates from another, asynchronous clock domain. In addition, the dashed line 111 represents one or more other inputs, from the asynchronous domain, to combinational logic 108. Thus, as will be seen, more than one latch in clock domain 103 can receive asynchronous data, and an individual latch (e.g., the middle latch 102) may receive both synchronous and asynchronous data input thereto.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional clock splitter circuit 104 used for static (slow) and at-speed testing of integrated circuit device elements, such as those illustrated in FIG. 1. For at-speed testing, test data is first scanned into the latches 102. Two types of at-speed test are then possible. For launch-off-capture test, the L1 latch in 102 receives a slow “broadside load,” i.e., a slow capture of data controlled by holding the OSC (domain system clock) signal low while the C and B test clock signals are (sequentially) activated. Alternatively, for launch-off-scan, after test data is scanned into the latches 102, a single B scan clock pulse may be applied, such that the L1 latch in 102 captures (skewed load) data from the previous latch in its scan chain. Then, for at-speed testing, system clock signal OSC is pulsed (e.g., twice) which allows launch and capture of the L1 and L2 latches at speed. However, if the input stage (L1) of a latch 102 is fed from an input across an asynchronous domain 112, there is nothing to prevent L1 from being clocked during the at-speed test. Thus, the L1 latch can capture asynchronous data that is impossible to predict at the time of test generation, and the test will fail. As indicated above, a conventional approach for at-speed testing is simply to test one domain at a time, such that the data from the asynchronous domain 112 does not transition when the input stage L1 is caused to capture at-speed.

Accordingly, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a clock splitter circuit 304 configured for selectively shutting off data capture across asynchronous clock domains during at-speed testing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a control signal “SHUTOFF” is connected to an OR gate 306 which, when deactivated reduces to the logic shown in the conventional clock splitter of FIG. 2. However, when SHUTOFF is activated (i.e., at logic high), the test clock signal ZC of the L1 latch of the latch stage 102 is tied inactive. As such, data from an asynchronous boundary in the input cone of latch stage 102 is prevented from being captured therein. However, it will also be noted that the SHUTOFF signal does not affect the operation of the local ZB clock signal to the L2 latch of the latch stage 102. In this manner, data within the latch stage 102 (e.g., following a broadside or skewed load) may still be launched from L2 into its own clock domain during at-speed testing. Thus configured, the selectable SHUTOFF signal for latch stages at asynchronous boundaries provides for both capture and launch for static fault coverage and for launch at-speed. The only loss would be the detection of dynamic faults on the inputs of such latches. These dynamic faults are not testable anyway since those paths are asynchronous.

It will be appreciated that other circuit topologies may be used to realize the equivalent logical function of the clock splitter circuit 304 of FIG. 3. For example, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a clock splitter circuit 404. Whereas the clock splitter 304 of FIG. 3 utilizes an OR gate 306 to generate ZC, the clock splitter 404 of FIG. 4 utilizes an AND gate 406 with the inputs thereto inverted by inverters 408.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of still another alternative embodiment of a clock splitter circuit 504. As will be noted, an additional clock control signal SCAN ENABLE (SE) provided by the test controller is utilized for a scan mode. The topology of clock splitter circuit 504 is somewhat different from that of circuits 304 and 404, in that the C clock and OSC inputs are provided to different logic gates: AND gate 506 and OR gate 508, respectively. In scan mode where SE is high, OSC is blocked by OR gate 508. The C clock is held low, thus the A and B clocks control the scan. In the “at-speed” mode, SE is low while the B and C clocks are held high. Thus, the OSC clock controls the latches through the ZC and ZB pins. In the “at-speed” shutoff mode, SHUTOFF goes high after the static capture in the L1s. As a result, the L2 can launch, but the L1 is shut off.

Although the disclosed embodiments may make use of a single, global shutoff signal, this need not necessarily be the case. For example, FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the test controller 106 of FIG. 1, in which the controller 106 generates a plurality of shutoff control signals Shutoff 1, Shutoff 2, Shutoff 3, corresponding to a plurality of domains within the chip 100 (e.g., Domain 1, Domain 2, Domain 3, etc.). Thus, the controller 106 may be used to independently provide shutoff signals to selected chip domains.

FIG. 7 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the shutoff function of the clock splitter embodiments during a launch-off-capture at-speed test. Prior to the activation of the SHUTOFF signal, OSC is held low, while test clock signals C and B to the local clock splitter are sequentially activated. During this time, the input latch of the stage receives the slow broadside data load. Once SHUTOFF goes from inactive low to active high, ZC is brought low, thereby preventing the input L1 latch from capturing data from across asynchronous boundaries when OSC pulses twice during at-speed testing. After the at-speed testing, the test clock signals C and B are deactivated, followed by SHUTOFF.

In contrast, FIG. 8 is a timing diagram illustrating the disabling of the shutoff function of the clock splitter embodiments during an at-speed test within a synchronous domain. As can be seen, because SHUTOFF remains deactivated, ZC is not deactivated when OSC pulses twice, thus allowing at-speed data capture at the input L1 latch. This function provides additional flexibility, for example, in the event it is desired to test one domain at a time. In this mode of operation, full at-speed fault coverage is still attainable.

With regard to the design of clock splitter devices that may control latch devices that receive input data only from other latches within the same clock domain (or only from other latches within other synchronous clock domains), different configurations are contemplated. In one embodiment, each clock splitter device is configured with the same type of control logic (e.g., such as shown in any of FIGS. 3-5) regardless of the location of the latches the clock splitter controls. This approach is perhaps the simplest from a manufacturing standpoint. For those clock splitter devices that need not be used to deactivate any of its receive latches during at-speed testing, the SHUTOFF signal thereto can simply be tied inactive (e.g., to ground). In this manner, such clock splitter devices would be functionally equivalent to that shown in FIG. 2.

Alternatively, the various clock splitter devices may be designed with different logic, depending on the clock domains of the latches associated therewith. For example, clock splitter devices feeding any latches that have at least one input from across an asynchronous boundary would be designed in accordance with one of the embodiments of FIGS. 3-5, while other clock splitter devices feeding latches all receiving inputs from synchronous domains can be designed in accordance with the logic shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method 900 of identifying integrated circuit device latches that receive data from asynchronous domains, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. Once such latches are identified, the design of the associated local clock splitter can be implemented in accordance with one of the above discussed embodiments. As shown in block 902, the process begins by identifying an individual latch, R_(i), in the circuit design that is not nominally shut off during at-speed testing. As shown in block 904, the system clock (OSC) for the identified latch, R_(i), is determined. Then, as reflected in block 906, the input sources to the identified latch, R_(i), are identified. More specifically, another latch, S_(i), within the input cone of R_(i) is identified. If at decision block 908 it is determined that S_(i) is already nominally turned off for at-speed testing then this particular S_(i) does not, by itself, result in a determination that the input stage of the identified R_(i) should be deactivated. The process 900 would then feed forward as described below.

On the other hand, if the identified S_(i) within the input cone of R_(i) is not turned off for at-speed testing, then the system clock for S_(i) is identified as shown at block 910. The system clock for R_(i) is compared to the system clock for S_(i), and if the two match as determined at decision block 912 then the currently identified R_(i) and S_(i) are synchronous. This is an equivalent situation to that described above, where S_(i) is already nominally turned off for at-speed testing. In other words, this would not result in a determination that the input stage of the identified R_(i) should be deactivated. At that point, the process would advance to decision block 914 to see whether there are additional latches in the input cone of the current R_(i). If additional input latches are to be determined for R_(i), then the process loops back through return node “A” to block 906 where the next S_(i) is identified. If no additional input latches were to be determined for R_(i), then the process 900 would then feed forward as described below.

Referring back to decision block 912, if the system clock for R_(i) does not match the system clock for S_(i), then the domains are asynchronous. As such, the input stage of the current R_(i) is to be configured with shut off capability as indicated in block 816 and as described above. Moreover, no additional latches S_(i) within the input cone of R_(i) need be checked at this point, since it has already been determined that the current R_(i) will be configured with shut off capability. Regardless of whether the current latch R_(i) is designated for shut off capability or has all input latches thereto within the same clock domain or deactivated during at-speed testing, the process 900 proceeds to decision block 918 to check whether all R_(i) latches have been identified and analyzed as described above. If so, the process 900 ends; otherwise, the process 900 loops back to through return node “B” to block 902 where the next R_(i) is identified.

Accordingly, through the use of the above described methodology and apparatus embodiments, the logic in asynchronous clock domains may be simultaneously tested in an economical manner. In lieu of other approaches, such as inserting additional structures that would lead to increased overhead, the input latches that receive data from asynchronous domains are selectively deactivated following a scan and a broadside load (or a skewed load) into the input latches. Then, for at-speed testing, the local C (not B) clocks signal is deactivated using a new test signal (SHUTOFF) to prevent them from capturing at-speed. By activating the SHUTOFF signal after the broadside load (or skewed load) allows the input latches to capture for static fault coverage. Moreover, by still permitting the B clocks to switch at-speed allows a latch to launch at-speed transitions into their own domains.

As indicated above, it is not necessary to use the same shutoff signal for all clock domains. A different shutoff signal can be used for each clock domain or group of clock domains, such that latches that receive asynchronous data, in a combination of different clock domains, may be deactivated for each test pattern. The shutoff signal is a slow signal driven by the off-chip test controller. It is also not required to switch at-speed and therefore the shutoff does not need to be designed as a clock signal. This reduces both the design effort and design time.

Advantageously, each test pattern would test all domains, such that test coverage for the chip would rise sharply with test generation. All clock domains may be tested in the same test pattern with all local clock splitters working together off a single enable signal. Moreover, the chip pin used for the SHUTOFF signal can be shared with a scan-in or scan-out pin, since the SHUTOFF signal is not used during scan. Hence the SHUTOFF signal. Hence, there is no extra test pin overhead. Once enough patterns are generated to test all domains together, some “clean-up” test patterns may be generated for one domain at a time while keeping the SHUTOFF signal low (deactivated). This will allow identification of untested faults on paths between two latches that both belong to same domain, in case the path is gated by a signal from another domain and the receiving latch was shut off at an earlier point in time.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a design flow 1000. Design flow 1000 may vary depending on the type of IC being designed. For example, a design flow 1000 for building an application specific IC (ASIC) will differ from a design flow 1000 for designing a standard component. Design structure 1010 is preferably an input to a design process 1020 and may come from an IP provider, a core developer, or other design company or may be generated by the operator of the design flow, or from other sources. Design structure 1010 comprises circuit embodiments 304, 404, 504 in the form of schematics or HDL, a hardware-description language, (e.g., Verilog, VHDL, C, etc.). Design structure 1010 may be contained on one or more machine readable medium(s). For example, design structure 1010 may be a text file or a graphical representation of circuit embodiments 304, 404, 504. Design process 1020 synthesizes (or translates) circuit embodiments 304, 404, 504 into a netlist 1030, where netlist 1030 is, for example, a list of wires, transistors, logic gates, control circuits, I/O, models, etc., and describes the connections to other elements and circuits in an integrated circuit design and recorded on at least one of a machine readable medium. This may be an iterative process in which netlist 1030 is resynthesized one or more times depending on design specifications and parameters for the circuit.

Design process 1020 includes using a variety of inputs; for example, inputs from library elements 1035 which may house a set of commonly used elements, circuits, and devices, including models, layouts, and symbolic representations, for a given manufacturing technology (e.g., different technology nodes, 32 nm, 45 nm, 90 nm, etc.), design specifications 1040, characterization data 1050, verification data 1060, design rules 1070, and test data files 1080, which may include test patterns and other testing information. Design process 1020 further includes, for example, standard circuit design processes such as timing analysis, verification tools, design rule checkers, place and route tools, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art of integrated circuit design can appreciate the extent of possible electronic design automation tools and applications used in design process 1020 without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention. The design structure of the invention embodiments is not limited to any specific design flow.

Design process 1020 preferably translates embodiments of the invention as shown in FIGS. 3-5, along with any additional integrated circuit design or data (if applicable), into a second design structure 1090. Second design structure 1090 resides on a storage medium in a data format used for the exchange of layout data of integrated circuits (e.g. information stored in a GDSII (GDS2), GL1, OASIS, or any other suitable format for storing such design structures). Second design structure 1090 may comprise information such as, for example, test data files, design content files, manufacturing data, layout parameters, wires, levels of metal, vias, shapes, data for routing through the manufacturing line, and any other data required by a semiconductor manufacturer to produce embodiments of the invention as shown in FIGS. 3-5. Second design structure 1090 may then proceed to a stage 1095 where, for example, second design structure 1090: proceeds to tape-out, is released to manufacturing, is released to a mask house, is sent to another design house, is sent back to the customer, etc.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process, the design structure comprising: an apparatus for testing logic devices configured across asynchronous clock domains, including a deactivation mechanism for deactivating, during at-speed fault testing, a first local clock signal for each of a plurality of latches of a computer circuit having at least one data input originating from an asynchronous clock domain of the computer circuit with respect to the plurality of latches; wherein the deactivation mechanism is configured to allow a second local clock signal for each of the plurality of latches to remain active, so as to permit data capture within the first plurality of latches, and wherein the deactivation mechanism is further configured to permit at-speed data launch from the plurality of latches to downstream latches with respect to the plurality of latches during at-speed testing.
 2. The design structure of claim 1, wherein the first local clock signal for the plurality of latches is coupled to L1 input stages of a level sensitive scan design (LSSD).
 3. The design structure of claim 2, wherein the deactivation of the first local clock signal for each of the plurality of latches comprises enabling a shutoff control signal in communication with one or more local clock splitter devices associated with the plurality of latches, the one or more local clock splitter devices generating the first and second local clock signals.
 4. The design structure of claim 3, wherein the second local clock signal for each of the plurality of latches is unaffected by the shutoff control signal in communication with the one or more local clock splitter devices.
 5. The design structure of claim 4, wherein the second local clock signal for the plurality of latches is coupled to L2 output stages of the level sensitive scan design (LSSD).
 6. The design structure of claim 3, further comprising a test controller configured to generate the shutoff control signal.
 7. The design structure of claim 6, wherein the test controller is configured to generate a plurality of control signals, each corresponding to different clock domains.
 8. The design structure of claim 6, wherein the test controller is configured to utilize a common input pin for the shutoff control signal and one or more of a scan-in signal and a scan-out signal.
 9. The design structure of claim 1, wherein the design structure comprises a netlist describing the apparatus for testing logic devices configured across asynchronous clock domains.
 10. The design structure of claim 1, wherein the design structure resides on storage medium as a data format used for the exchange of layout data of integrated circuits.
 11. The design structure of claim 1, wherein the design structure includes at least one of test data files, characterization data, verification data, programming data, or design specifications. 